Headline News

  • Annual Sales Tax Holiday This Weekend

    The State of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is this weekend taking place Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28.  During this holiday, Tennesseans can save nearly 10 percent on qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers. Tennesseans can purchase clothing and school supplies tax-free if they are priced at $100 or less and buy computers tax-free if…


  • Free “Baby in the Back” Car Hangtag Program Helps Prevent Heat-Related Deaths in Children

    “The Baby in the Back program can make all the difference in protecting our youngest citizens from extreme temperatures,” said Secretary Hargett. “With this week’s expected heat and the likelihood of more hot days ahead, we want all parents and caregivers to know about our free program that ultimately can save lives.”    On days with…


  • Tennessee Tourism Breaks $30B in Visitor Spending in 2023, Creating a Record Tax Benefit for Tennesseans

    Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee’s direct visitor spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to…


  • TDH Urges Measures To Prevent Tick and Mosquito-Borne Diseases

    As Tennesseans enjoy outdoor activities this summer, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds everyone to take simple and preventive steps to avoid mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases. ‘’Many of us are spending more time outdoors which is good for everyone, but it’s also important to take steps to protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites,’’ said…


  • Pick Tennessee Products Partners with Homegrown By Heroes

    Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program has joined together with Homegrown By Heroes to better promote local agricultural products produced by Tennessee farmer veterans. The Homegrown By Heroes label is the official farmer U.S. military veteran branding program. Administered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, it certifies ranchers, farmers, and fishermen…


  • College Bound Students Increasing in Tennessee

    The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced significant momentum today in increasing the state’s college-going rate, highlighted by a 2.4 percentage point increase for the class of 2023 over the class of 2022. The state’s 56.7% college-going rate for the class of 2023 represents the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free…


  • Law Enforcement Asks for Public Assistance

    UPDATE: Suspect taken into custody Tuesday by law enforcement in Putnam County On June 30m at approximately 6:15 a.m. while on patrol in Smith County at the Buffalo Valley Rest Area on I-40, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers were investigating a suspicious vehicle parked at the rest area. A trooper approached the vehicle and observed…